| 2.12. | Trade and other accounts receivable |
Trade accounts receivable are shown initially at their fair value and later at their amortized cost in accordance with the effective interest rate method, less the allowance for impairment losses. An allowance for impairment loss of trade accounts receivable is made when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to recover all the amounts due according to the original terms of the accounts receivable.
The existence of significant financial difficulties on the part of the debtor, the probability that the debtor is entering bankruptcy or financial reorganization and the default or delay in making payments are considered indicators that the receivable has been impaired. The amount of the provision is the difference between the book value of the assets and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. The book value of the asset is reduced by the amount of the allowance and the loss is shown in the consolidated statement of income in Cost of sales. When an account receivable is written off, it is charged to the allowance account for accounts receivable.